Another Black History Month

Each year, Black History Month gives us a moment to reflect. This year, it also reminds us why the work cannot stop.

No matter what efforts may surface to minimize or erase the contributions of Black and Brown people from the American story, Tabor 100 remains unwavering. Our history matters. Our impact matters. And we will continue to make sure it is seen, heard, and honored.

But recognition alone is not enough. Last week, we proudly sponsored the 2nd Annual Black History Month Business Showcase. Thank you to the vendors who showed up with excellence and to everyone who supported them through your purchases. Economic empowerment is more than a theme, it is action. We hope you discovered outstanding local businesses and will continue to invest in them long after February ends.

At the same time, we are witnessing significant milestones right here at home. Girmay Zahilay, now the second Black person and the youngest ever King County Executive, joined us at last month’s General Membership Meeting. Seattle City Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth attended our  January meeting shortly after being elected President of the Seattle City Council. Seattle also welcomed its first African woman City Attorney, Erika Evans. Today, three African Americans serve on the Seattle City Council. Executive Zahilay nominated three African American women to fill County Council seats, and one of them, Rhonda Lewis, became the first African American woman ever to serve on the King County Council.

These are historic achievements. They deserve recognition.

Yet we must never forget the shoulders upon which this progress stands.

In 1968, Sam Smith became the first Black member of the Seattle City Council, serving for 24 years. In 1986, Ron Sims became the first Black member of the King County Council and later served as King County Executive until 2009. Larry Gossett joined the Council in 1994 and served until 2020. We also honor Seattle’s first two Black mayors, Norm Rice and Bruce Harrell.

Progress did not happen overnight. It was built, decision by decision, vote by vote, sacrifice by sacrifice.

At Tabor 100, we recognize that our responsibility is not only to celebrate history but to extend it. We stand on the foundation laid by those who came before us, and we are committed to strengthening and advancing that legacy through economic power, leadership, and collective action.

Let us celebrate. Let us build. And let us continue moving forward—together.